The Risk of Progressive Collapse of Single-Story Buildings in Severe Storms

The probability of severe damage and progressive collapse of single-story commercial, institutional and residential buildings is examined. Observations of actual damage and the results of wind-tunnel investigations are used to predict the likelihood of future damage to similar structures. Particular attention is paid to two classes of building frequently damaged by wind storms, commercial and institutional buildings with lightweight, flat roofs and masonry walls and wood-framed, single-family dwellings.